AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K

1.0 stars

"Bloated piece of marketing hype not worth the download."

October 21, 2006  |   By barque

Version: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K 1.0.4

Pros

I have a generally favorable view of AOL -- like it or not, they had a major hand in bringing the Internet to the masses -- so please don't take this review as AOL bashing. As a client, this one does actually work -- although it has a nasty habit of crashing my machine when left unattended. Still, it sends IM messages and detects presence. What more could you ask for?

Cons

Here's what you could ask for: something that is functional without the bloat. While AOL is getting better at not bundling useless crap, this is still FAR more of a memory pig than it ought to be. Worse, the problem does not go away after you close the IM client.... there's a piece of software running (check your task manager) that does not close. Why? Can you give me one good reason why this pig needs to remain on my machine?

Do yourself a favor. Go get GAIM, Trillian, or if you don't totally hate AOL yet, AIM Pro is very nice. Just stay away from anything in the mainstream. Really. It's THAT bad.

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4.0 stars

"hi"

September 21, 2006  |   By ReggieBush25

Version: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K 1.0.4

Pros

hi

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5.0 stars

"I LOVE IT!!!"

August 11, 2006  |   By lil_skaggs_8409

Version: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K 1.0.4

Pros

I Love AIM I use it everyday and it has so many great features on it you can instant message all of your friends family etc.

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1.0 stars

"Incredibly prying and annoying active update feature a thumbs down"

August 11, 2006  |   By yaegel

Version: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K 1.0.4

Pros

The GUI has greatly improved, this is a good program to look at (if you can manage to look at it and not run it). and It's very dependable

Cons

AOL's New Activeupdate feature (which they convienently don't offer an uninstall, or any options for) annoys the buggers out of you with 1 or 2 updates a day, that are completely unnecessary. But heres the best part: not only can you not uninstall any of the updates or the updater, but the updater NEVER gives you an option to do anything but update. What happened to courtesey? "You will have this update, do you want it now, or later"...I'm uninstalling and getting software I trust.

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1.0 stars

"JUNK!"

August 10, 2006  |   By troy272

Version: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K 1.0.4

Pros

does IM's that's it!

Cons

too much junk and spyware that comes with it. AOL puts in a bunch of useless software as they always do. AOL sucks and I won't use this software. This program is invasive and very unsecure. This program is prone to many IM viruses and spyware and most scanners will miss. Get trillian if you still want to talk to people who have AIM.

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2.0 stars

"Heading to a dead end."

July 16, 2006  |   By trumpetman1433

Version: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K 1.0.4

Pros

Meh.

Cons

Although i've always liked aim, these newer versions are getting slower and more annoying. Stick with and older version (which is easiest obtained from oldversion.com).

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2.0 stars

"Worse than earlier versions"

July 14, 2006  |   By Stinger15

Version: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K 1.0.4

Pros

For the fact that they are known and used throughout the US. Doesn't overwrite previous versions (thankfully).

Cons

Complicated instal, sometimes does not work. Instals a browser that is not wanted. No option for shortcuts (quickbar, desktop, and programs folders), just auto puts them in there, have to do delete if not wanted. Try's to take over your computer by making it every (i.e. home page, default browser, etc.) default in it's control (if not selected at instal and setup).

Ok, now on to the actual program... it is very complicated to start any transaction with th eperson you are talking to (i.e. Direct Connect, Sending files/photos, anything). Way too many options that are practically useless to the average user. Half of the window that shows your buddies that are online is taken up by either ads or other crap that AOL wants you to do that you dont want.

I have many more complaints about this program. But is all I can say is AOL tries to make things easier by putting in more options that no one cares about and taking out the options to easily let you have control of your computer.. not working.

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5.0 stars

"Good IM system"

July 2, 2006  |   By anakin101t

Version: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K 1.0.4

Pros

Easy to use.

Cons

none

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2.0 stars

"install sucks, program is ok"

June 30, 2006  |   By rctlover1

Version: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) XP/2K 1.0.4

Pros

lots of people have aim

Cons

the download part of the install took a long time on cable, i can't imagine on dialup. plus the installer takes up the whole window and it wont let you minimize it. thats just dumb.

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